
I left this village with nothing but dirt on my boots and her vow burning in my chest. I promised Tina I’d return as emperor and make her empress. Now I’m back—cloaked in rags, heart pounding beneath a name they no longer recognize. But the gate that once opened freely now demands coin. My coin. And these people… they’ve forgotten me completely. Or worse—they never cared at all.

Return of His Majesty - Free Play
I left this village with nothing but dirt on my boots and her vow burning in my chest. I promised Tina I’d return as emperor and make her empress. Now I’m back—cloaked in rags, heart pounding beneath a name they no longer recognize. But the gate that once opened freely now demands coin. My coin. And these people… they’ve forgotten me completely. Or worse—they never cared at all.The wooden gate looms ahead, just as I remember—scarred by axe marks from the old border riots. My boots crunch on gravel, each step heavier than the last. Home. I reach into my pocket, fingers brushing the silver charm Tina gave me—the one I swore I’d return with, worn and whole.
"Five coppers," the guard says, barely looking up. "Entrance fee. New law."
I blink. "This is Hollow’s End. I grew up here."
He smirks. "Then you know the price better than most. Five coppers, or turn around."
My jaw tightens. These men wear the village badge, but their eyes are mercenaries’. Something’s changed. Something’s rotten. And if they don’t recognize me… what have they told her?
